Expert: Tina - 1/4/2009

Question
We have/had two 8 month old brothers that were very close.  they did everything together, grooming, playing, biting, sleeping.   Today one of our kitties was hit by a car.  We are wondering if it is best to get another kitten right away or should we just keep the one cat and continue to give him lots of attention?
Sincerely,
One sad family.

Answer
Hi Ronna,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunately I also learned the hard way why it is not safe to allow cats outdoors loose. I hope that whatever you do you will either keep the other cat indoors from now on, or build him a safe enclosure so he will not suffer the same fate. When I was a teen, our cat was hit by a car and dragged himself home - he died on my lap on the vet to the vet, in agony and I will never forget that day it was so horrible. I also worked in a vet clinic for a few years, and saw many cats dead or injured from accidents that would not have happened if they were not outdoors.

Please take a look at this website for information on how to make a cat happy indoors and how to build enclosures of any kind (from simple and cheap to more elaborate):

http://catnet.stanford.edu/articles/enclosures.html

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/9352/indoors.html

As for replacing the cat who died, I think it is best for your other young cat to have a playmate as soon as possible. Cats do mourn their friends, but they d not dwell on the past the way humans do, and he will be able to move on faster with a playmate to keep him company. Another cat around the same age is a good idea. However I do not recommend that you adopt another cat unless you plan to keep them both indoors or safe in an enclosure - no need to put another cat's life at risk by allowing them outdoors.

Again, my condolences.